For a healthy body and mind

A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAS, helps keep children lean and healthy.

A recent study has shown that children who have a diet rich in PUFAS are leaner with less belly fat than those who don’t. The study published in the Journal of Nutrition looked at children between the ages of 7 – 12 years old. The children and their carers completed questionnaires on their food intake. The children were also scanned to assess their levels of belly fat. The results showed children who had plenty of PUFAS in their diet were leaner, with less body fat and belly fat.

PUFAs are good for everyone. We can’t make Amino Acids in our bodies so we have to get them from food. They make up cell membranes and nerve coverings. They are also important for controlling inflammation, blood clotting and muscle movement. Good sources of PUFAS include tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, cashews), oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines) and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed).